With the NFL Scouting Combine continuing through Tuesday, there is plenty to debate, starting at the top of the draft board.

Some say Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers should be the No. 1 pick. Others say Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley. However, not everyone is sold on either Bowers or Fairley.

“Two incredibly talented guys,’’ NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “Each has boom or bust potential. Bowers is a one-year wonder. It s a wonderful one year, but you better make sure that you get what you hope you’re getting.’’

Then there is Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, whose stock seems to be rising daily. Newton would be the sexiest No. 1 pick but hardly the safest. Blaine Gabbert of Missouri could turn out to be better in the NFL than Newton.

With all the uncertainty, the five teams at the top of the draft are seeking clarity at the Combine. Here’s a look at what they must think about:

1. Carolina Panthers

The debate: The Panthers have a ton of needs, including a franchise quarterback. Having the No. 1 pick puts them in position to pick whoever they want. It also gives them trade leverage, but historically teams with the No. 1 pick have had difficulty finding a trade partner.

The Chargers in 2004 were the last team to make a deal involving the top pick, as they selected Eli Manning and then traded him to the Giants for the fourth overall pick, Philip Rivers. Assuming the Panthers keep the pick, the choice will be Bowers or Fairley unless they fall in love with Newton or Gabbert.

The danger: Here are some worst-case scenarios for the Panthers: 1) They take Bowers, who becomes nothing special. 2) They pass on Newton, who becomes a franchise quarterback for somebody else. 3) They take Newton, rush him into action, and he struggles to develop a la Vince Young. And you thought it was fun having the No. 1 pick.

2. Denver Broncos

The debate: New coach John Fox is a defensive guy. The Broncos had the NFL’s worst defense last year, and this draft is loaded with defensive talent. But which defender do they take—Bowers, Fairley, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson or Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus?

The danger: The Broncos’ defense is in bad shape, and it will be a serious blow if they don’t hit on this pick. If Bowers goes No. 1, picking Fairley at No. 2 could backfire on Denver. “I’ve seen him (Fairley) take some plays off on tape that Da’Quan Bowers doesn’t take off,’’ ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. “That makes me nervous.”

3. Buffalo Bills

The debate: It will really get interesting for the Bills if Gabbert and Newton are both available. We may find out how much the Bills are really sold on Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback.

“To me, it’s pretty simple,’’ Mayock said. “If you believe there’s a franchise quarterback at No. 3—and I don’t care if it’s Gabbert, Newton, (Jake) Locker—that need trumps everything else. Ryan Fitzpatrick is OK, but you need a franchise quarterback. If you have any doubts whatsoever, then you look to the defensive side.’’

The danger: With all their needs, the Bills will really be set back if they take a quarterback who doesn’t pan out.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

The debate: As they prepare to move on from Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, the Bengals will take a serious look at Georgia’s A.J. Green—the best receiver in the draft. However, they could also use Fairley if he drops this far.

The danger: With Carson Palmer wanting out of Cincinnati, the Bengals have uncertainty at quarterback. They could make a mistake in this draft trying to fix that.

5. Arizona Cardinals

The debate: The retirement of Kurt Warner made the Cardinals painfully aware of how important a quarterback is. They will be doing plenty of homework on Newton and Gabbert, but they also could use a playmaking linebacker like Miller.

The danger: They may be tempted to reach for a quarterback who is not ready to help them this year. Trading for a quarterback like the Eagles’ Kevin Kolb may be a far better solution.